Antonio's Bella Casa Sculptures and Carvings

Stunning and unique pair of matching horse sculptures. With a combined experience of almost 30 years in the antiques trade, we were thrilled to once again find beautifully hand-crafted and decorative antiques that we had never seen before. From the density and the weight we can see and feel that these highly decorative horse sculptures are made of a tropical hardwood. Like, for example, with antique mirror frames or church sculptures these horses too were first covered with a mixture of chalk and glue so that the paint would hold longer. And, as so often is the case with antiques, the colors that were used for painting these horses are so much more beautiful than anything you find in this day and age that they truly are an absolute joy to look at. From the colors, the wear, the materials and the techniques that were used to create these horses we can see that these are 19th century antiques. However and unfortunately we lack the knowledge to be able to tell you from which country these highly decorative and sizeable works of art originate. We just can't find matching style horse sculptures anywhere on the worldwide web. They could be Chinese or Nepalese, but they could also be Persian or Arabian. We just have not been able to find out. What we do know is that they are definitely antique, they are in beautiful condition (with some wear, consistent with their age), they are highly decorative, probably unique and they have a look and feel that will instantly change the atmosphere of the room they are in. Mind you, our sharp price for this wonderful pair of horse sculptures...

Pair of Chinese export hardstone horses and stands, each one finely carved of a standing horse with one leg up, facing left and right. Removable from the associated lacquered stands....

A heavy and well cast South Indian bronze figure of Shiva Nataraja, or Shiva as Lord of the Dance, in the Chola style, late 19th or early 20th century, India. Shiva is portrayed here in his form as Nataraja, the Lord of the Dance. An iconic and powerful image, Shiva is portrayed engaged in his dance of creation, protection, and destruction, bringing together all his aspects into one sublime form. Shiva dances ecstatically, facing the viewer with his body twisted, his long locks of hair streaming out around him, his four arms in action, with one leg raised, the other stomping on the dwarf demon Apasmara, who represents spiritual ignorance. In one hand he holds a damaru, or ritual drum...

A decorative hand carved Thai giltwood standing Buddha on a lotus flower with black square base. The costume is layered and flowing and peaceful grin facial expression . Serenity and...

A rare, hand carved, masterpiece natural fine grade lapis lazuli Kwan Yin sculpture. Kwan Yin has an oval-shaped face with arched eyebrows and downcast eyes casting a serene aura, framed by long-lobed ears and an ushnisha covered under a hood as part of her fluid robe. She holds a Ruyi scepter in her right hand. Her left had is shown in motion of flicking blessing water. A stylized panel of flame backs Kwan Yin, symbolizing her power and spiritual superiority. To her left is a full bloom of lotus, a symbol of peace and enlightenment. The sculpture is masterfully carved with her facial details beautifully depicted. A custom handmade root stand complements this extraordinary statue. The lapis statue...

A impressive bronze Buddha head fragment displayed on wood stand circa late 19th century. The Buddha was cast in the early "U Thong" style that flourished between the 12-13rd century A.D in Central Thailand. The Buddha iconography of that period is exemplified by the influence from Mon and Khmer kingdom, featuring a more square face and a characteristic small band between the hairline and the forehead. This large Buddha head...

Pair of Chinese bronze figures of deities standing on dragons. The two sculptures were made in the 20th century. They represent the Tao gods Lu Xing and Fu Xin...

A magnificent natural Tiger's Eye sculpture depicting the compassionate Bodhisattva Water Moon Guan Yin, Avalokiteshvara. Backed by a lotus leaf and on top of water wavers, Avalokiteshvara is shown seated in rajalilasana, the ‘posture of royal ease...

A rare and unusual Chinese Ming Dynasty bronze figure of the Buddha as an infant. The young Prince Siddhartha, who would grow up to become the Buddha, is portrayed standing, one hand pointing to the sky, the other to the ground. He is naked, save for a baby apron...

Complete granite figure of Shiva showing his attributes in a standing hieratic pose, fully dressed and jeweled in royal regalia with tiara on a high pedestal with a flaming halo. Lat...

An ideal garden ornament, sturdy weather proof planter display base or a rock solid all weather stone base for a special sculpture. From China, comes this large 20.5 inch rectangu...

Intriguing horse sculpture made of hand carved solid wood, hand painted with beautiful rustic patina. Professionally mounted on steel base. Exceptional object of art for display.